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Guess who's hosting the dinner?
Broadcasting legend to return as veterinary awards host

FOLLOWING his popularity at last year's Petplan Veterinary Awards, Gyles Brandreth will return to host the 2014 awards.

Celebrating the 15th year of the awards, Petplan will once again acknowledge the outstanding service the veterinary profession provides – and, more importantly, reward those whose passion, hard work and dedication has helped pets and pet owners across the UK.

Gyles, whose knowledge and witty comment about the work of vets and nurses at the 2013 awards earned him huge praise, said he was delighted to be invited back.

“It is an honour and a pleasure to be invited back to host the Veterinary Awards. I know a lot of vets – including my son-in-law – and admire their sheer hard work and dedication to the job. These awards provide the opportunity to salute the very best of vets in the profession as well as the wider and highly valued supporting team of nurses and receptionists. I am looking forward again to celebrating the work that they do.”

In a question-and-answer session with sister publication, Veterinary Practice Today, Gyles was quick to come out in support of the veterinary nursing profession as well as the work of vets.

On being asked "How might you propose to raise the profile of veterinary nurses to the public?" Gyles replied:

"People trust vets because they know how well trained they are. We need to raise the status of veterinary nurses and their profiles. Whenever an operation requiring anaesthesia is performed, we need a fully qualified vet nurse on the case.

"We need to give the same respect and status and time and energy to the whole business of training vet nurses as we do to vets. This is a big issue, but it's all part of raising the overall standing and perceived professionalism of veterinary practice. So much has been achieved in recent years. This is an area where more can still happen."

Members of the profession along with their clients may nominate across a number of categories, including VN of the Year and Vet of the Year. Nominations are judged by an independent panel of industry experts and the finalists are invited to attend the sumptuous awards ceremony at Birmingham Town Hall on Thursday April 3, 2014.

To nominate a friend or colleague, or register your interest in attending the awards evening, visit www.petplanvet.co.uk

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.